Top tips to keep warm and well this winter

Heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F). You may prefer your main living room to be slightly warmer. Keep your bedroom window closed at night. Breathing in cold air can increase the risk of chest infections

Get financial support

There are grants, benefits and advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills

Look after yourself

Contact your GP or local pharmacy to get your free flu jab if you’re aged 65 or over, live in a residential or nursing home, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person. NHS Choices provides information about flu (see below)

Don’t delay in getting treatment

for minor winter ailments like colds or sore throats. Visit your local pharmacist or call NHS 111 for advice on treatment before it gets worse so you can recover quicker

Layer your clothing

whether indoors or out. Wrap a scarf around your mouth to protect your lungs from the cold air

Wear shoes with a good grip

when you go outside

Get up and stretch your legs and make yourself a warm drink

every hour or so if you’re sat down indoors

Get your heating and cooking appliances checked

by a Gas Safe registered engineer to make sure they’re operating safely

Contact your water and power suppliers

to see if you can be on the Priority Services Register if you are older and/or disabled

Check on older neighbours or relatives

to make sure they’re safe and well. Make sure they’re warm enough, especially at night, and have stocks of food and medicines so they don’t need to go out when it’s very cold

More information:

If you’re worried about an older person either contact a family member, us on (0118) 974 6000, or Age UK (0800) 00 99 66.